Civic Duty

I voted on Monday. I was really excited because I didn't think I would
be able to, since I don't really have an address. But, I was informed
by a fellow American that we could vote at the US Embassy. It was
fairly easy, despite the cheesy seven year old pictures of Bush,
Cheney and Condi staring down at us (Bush looked young, Cheney had his
classic smirk going).I had no idea who was running for any other
offices so I hope nobody good loses in Oakland by one vote, but we got
the important one done. No 'I voted' stickers though..

It is surprising to me how closely everyone follows the American
election here. It's one of the top stories in the news every night and
Ethiopians are definitely talking about it. One of the first people I
met, the taxi driver who took me to AHOPE, asked me about the election
as soon as he found out I was from the United States. It is a very
partisan Obama crowd. Everyone seems pretty sure that he will win, and
they are happy about that. You see Obama t-shirts, stickers and books
around. Not everyone is as clear on McCain, people tend to pronounce
his first and last name as if it were all one word: johnmccain.

I voted for Obama. I hope he wins, it will definitely make America
more popular in Ethiopia, and just like the rest of the world, we will
watching the results come in (on Wednesday).

Extra bonus note: I just picked up a shirt at the seamstress that
needed a new button, and she refused to take any money. People really
are pretty friendly here. I'd like to say I will take all my sewing
and patching needs to her, to earn the goodwill she bestowed upon me,
but I'm not sure I will have any. So I am advertising for her here
instead.